Responsible Traveller mag - edition 5 - 2016

R E S P O N S I B L E edition 5 – 2016

be the difference

OCEANS, ISLANDS

beach & bush...

w w w. re s p o n s i b l e t rave l l e r. c o. z a

Comment Welcome to another edition of Responsible Traveller.

In this edition we celebrate SUMMER...

2016 has been a challenging time for many, but despite the hardships and heartache (for those who have lost loved ones) we consider our blessings and look back with gratitude. I am so very grateful for the opportunities I get to travel, so see wonderful places and meet fabulous people - and that I have a very special family that firstly, allows me to do this, and secondly welcome me home when I return!

So in this edition we explore some wonderful destinations - from the islands of Reunion and Seychelles to bush escapes at Thanda Safari . And no summer would be complete without some beach and ocean time, so we celebrate the new list of Blue Flag beaches in South Africa as well as the three Blue Flag vessels in Gansbaai - those of Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises. Still wondering what to do this holiday? Or planning for one later in the year? Then check out our Travel Tips section - here you’ll find a wealth of great reasons why you just have to #loveDurban, thanks to nine local bloggers.

As we pack our bags and head off for the holidays let’s each take a moment to think about our impact on the environment and the people we come into contact with consider being a little kinder and live with a deeper sense of love and appreciation for those around us, not just our nearest and dearest, but those less fortunate than us too.

And as it says in the scriptures, ‘There is greater blessing in giving than in receiving’ so be abundantly blessed this Christmas season!

Let’s celebrate the successes of 2016 and step into 2017 with joy and anticipation - let it be your BEST year yet ...

Enjoy the read… and be the difference.

tessa Magazine Information edition 5 - 2016 Editor Tessa Buhrmann Cell: 083 603 9000 tessa@responsibletraveller.co.za Design & Layout Michele Mayer Cell: 082 934 6940 creativelink@mweb.co.za Advertising & editorial enquiries info@responsibletraveller.co.za Digital Subscriptions info@responsibletraveller www.responsibletraveller.co.za

Responsible Traveller Published by Spotted Mongoose Media CC (CK 2008/178482/23) Contact Details P.O. Box 3, Gillitts 3603 KwaZulu-Natal South Africa Tel: +27 31 7674022 Fax: +27 86 542 9615 Publication details Responsible Traveller DIGITAL is published bi-monthly

Cover Image: Sunset at The Palm Hotel & Spa, Reunion Island pic - Tessa Buhrmann

Disclaimer Responsible Traveller is published by Spotted Mongoose Media CC. The information provided and the opinions expressed in this publication are done so in good faith and while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither the managing editor nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors; or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise. All rights are reserved and no material from this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers.

responsible traveller 03

08

Contents Regulars: Comment

03

Being a Responsible Traveller 06

26

Travel Tips from the market place 64

Destinations & Places to Stay: 10 Reasons you have to #GoToReunion 08 Seychelles positions itself as a ‘sustainable’ destination 34 For the love of Africa... Thanda Tented Camp

44

44

Conservation Profile: Gansbaai, home to three Blue Flag certified vessels 26 Oceans Without Borders 56

News:

56

Kurland hotel creates impressive greenhouse

32

Hotel Verde... voted ‘Best Urban Accommodation’

42

Great new book for botanists, conservationists & plant lovers

43

Thanda safari gathers International Artists...

52

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve wins Industry Awards

54

Abu Camp ends Elephant Riding Beach Project to provide jobs for local youth

62 63

www.responsibletraveller.co.za 04 responsible traveller

If you had one day of complete freedom The V&A Waterfront is waiting to welcome you.

Come and join us when the early morning sun reflects goldenly on the water, the seagulls are grooming their feathers, the harbour starts stirring to commence business for the day.

Be here when restaurants open their doors and tables are arranged on the quayside.

Be here when fresh produce and local delicacies are arranged in glorious technicolour splendour.

Come shop, come eat, come marvel at underwater creatures.

Lick an ice-cream, sit on a bench, laugh at a seal, listen to the music floating on the sea breeze, soak up the sun.

Watch when the sun goes down and the bright lights of party nights go on.

It’s like a lifetime in one day – all in one place, all at the V&A Waterfront ~ keep discovering ~

Being a

Responsible Traveller

Responsible travel is a way of enjoying the many sights, experiences and memories of the destination you have chosen. It ensures that visitors and local communities alike share the benefits of tourism and travel equally, and it promotes greater understanding of and appreciation for fair and equitable business practice. Responsible travel is about putting back into travel what you get from it, and here are a few considerations that you could make when next you travel.

• Ask to see your tour operator's responsible travel policy.

• Ask to see the environmental policy of the accommodation establishment that you have selected – don’t be fooled by vague and unsubstantiated claims.

• Help the local economy by buying local produce in preference to imported goods.

• Ask your tour operator to establish the extent to which local communities enjoy benefits from your economic spend during your stay at a location.

• If bargaining to buy an item, bear in mind that a small amount to you could be extremely important to the seller – be realistic and fair.

• Realise that often the people in the country you are visiting have different time concepts, values and thought patterns from your own, this does not make them inferior, only different.

• Cultivate the habit of asking questions and discover the pleasure that you can enjoy by seeing a different way of life through others eyes.

• Use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient – you'll meet local people and get to know the place far better – always be safe and considerate.

• Use water sparingly – it is precious inmany countries and the local people may not have sufficient clean water – challenge any wasteful practice at your hotel or lodge.

• Switch Something Off – whenever you leave your room, switch unnecessary lights and equipment off and play your part in reducing greenhouse emissions.

06 responsible traveller

• Don't discard litter when visiting outof-the-way places and attractions, take it with you and dispose of it at your hotel or lodge. Waste disposal is often a major problem at outlying attractions and sites and it leads to litter and unhealthy environments for locals.

• Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. For example, ask permission before you photograph local people – in some countries it can cause offence.

• Learn more about the cultural experiences that you are exposed to – avoid ‘sound-byte’ tourism and encourage tour operators to provide more insight into the dances, songs and traditionalexperiences that they present to you.

• Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods, shells from beach traders, or ancient artefacts (which have probably beenstolen). When visiting gift and curio shops, be aware of the source of the products on sale and if in doubt, don’t buy.

• Read up on the countries you plan to visit – the welcome will be warmer if you take an interest and speak even a few words of the local language.

• When you get home drop your tour operator a note to let them know how you got on.

Essentials: www.heritagesa.co.za www.fairtrade.travel www.trees.co.za www.rhinoafrica.com

AFRICA’S GREENEST HOTEL...

Experience the ultimate 4 star accommodation & conferencing with our 145 luxury rooms, passionate & friendly staff, free Wi-Fi & business centre, indoor & outdoor gym, running trail and eco pool as well as the convenience of a free airport shuttle and two daily shuttles into Cape Town CBD.

Book now for your luxurious carbon neutral experience.

15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria, Cape Town 7490 ZA | +27 (0) 21 380 5500 | reservations@hotelverde.com | www.hotelverde.com

10 Reasons why you just have to

#GoToReunion ...and why I so have to go back!

W

words & pics - Tessa Buhrmann

hether you refer to this magical place as Ile Bourbon, Ile de la Reunion or even La Petite France as it is sometimes referred to as, you will fall in love with its volcanic landscapes and clear blue lagoons, the wild adventures, colourful cuisine and the wonderful Creole people that call this island home. If you’ve never been, these 10 reasons should get you there soonest, and if like me you’ve been before they’ll get you longing to be back as soon as you can.

08 responsible traveller

1

Beaches and lagoons

Reunions Island’s 22 km of coastline varies from white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons in west to the dark volcanic sand beaches and impressive stretches of basalt that were formed when molten lava flowed into the sea in the east. Our introduction to the white sandy beaches of Saint-Gilles on the west coast of the island had to wait until morning as it was evening by the time we checked in to the luxurious HOTEL LUX SAINT-GILLES. These white sandy beaches give way to the aqua blue waters of a wonderfully warm lagoon, perfect for stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking in transparent boats and snorkelling - or just laze on the beach, indulge in ice-cream or sip rum laced cocktails at LE K’BANON Restaurant.

Ice creams on the beach at L’Ermitage lagoon responsible traveller 09

2

Volcanic experiences

With pilot Pierre, after our epic flight

The island of Reunion was birthed a relatively short three million odd years ago through a series of volcanic eruptions, and to this day the island continues this tendency and is home to the world’s most active volcano, the Piton de la Fournaise. Most would live in fear of dwelling in such close proximity to an active volcano, but here locals refer fondly to her as le volcan, much as one would a favourite aunt… perhaps because they are predictable, and somewhat relaxed.

No visit to Reunion Island would be complete without a volcanic experience, and the best way to start, albeit a tad costly, is with a scenic helicopter flight. Our tour began at the HELILAGON base in L’Eperon in Saint Gilles… boarding pass in hand and weight assessed (yep, size does matter), the safety instructions began. Soon the whop, whop, whop of the rotors increased and we slowly rose – that was the only ‘slow’ thing about this, from there onwards it was excitement and awe all the way.

Rolling hills and sandy beaches gave way to rugged volcanic mountains and verdant valleys as we descended into the Cirque de Mafate, one of three cirques formed by the Piton des Neiges – the now extinct volcano that gave birth to Reunion Island. Tiny hamlets dotted the valley, which is only accessible on foot or by helicopter; this wild and rugged cirque is a favourite with hikers and mountain bikers who revel in both the adventure and the dramatic landscapes these natural amphitheatres create.

Our skilled pilot Pierre flew us breathtakingly close to the cascading waterfalls of the Le Trou de Fer, or Iron Hole, - twice. The main waterfall of the Le Trou de Fer, that of the Bras de Caverne River, plunges a dizzying 300m over the canyon edge and is joined by at least six others - smaller, but no less spectacular. The cascading rivers and thick green foliage of the cirques soon gave way to the moonscape surrounds of the Piton de la Fournaise.

The Piton de la Fournaise, meaning ‘Peak of the Furnase’, is on the eastern end of Reunion Island and rises an impressive 2,630 meters above sea level. Seeing this sleeping giant and barren landscape from the air makes one realise the incredible power and might of nature; there had been an eruption a week earlier, but all that remained was a smoldering crater. A number of smaller volcanic craters lie within the caldera, with Formica Leo, so named for being similar in shape 10 responsible traveller

The central cone of Piton de la Fournaise

to the pitfall built by an antlion, being accessible from the view site.

A hike to Formica Leo would have been a highlight on our itinerary, but we had to be satisfied with seeing her from afar as the hiking trail was closed due to the recent volcanic activity (just one of the reasons I have to go back!).

Driving the Route du Volcan is spectacular, and takes you through agricultural farmland in the lower valley, lush vegetation and spectacular views as you climb higher, and finally low growing mountainous scrub that as you crest the ridge, gives way to the desolate red landscape of

The caldera, Formica Leo as seen from Pas de Bellecombe responsible traveller 11

Colourful rock formations in the tunnel

12 responsible traveller

The shimmering tunnel walls

Clambering over volcanic rock, heading to the tunnel entrance

the Plaine des Sables and the Piton de la Fournaise view point - Pas de Bellecombe. The vista from the viewpoint is impressive, sparse vegetation of ferns and lichen reclaiming the landscape above caldera. If you have the chance, be sure to pop into the fun and educational Cité du Volcan Museum located in La Plaine des Cafres next to local restaurant AUBERGE DU VOLCAN. For an ‘up close and personal’ volcanic experience there’s nothing better than heading underground through the lava tunnels. We met our RICARIC guide alongside the Route des Laves and before long we were geared up knee guards, helmet and headlamp ready for our descent into the underworld.

We were exploring the tunnels created by the lava flow of 2001 – clambering over the black folds of lava rock and marvelling at resilience of nature, before entering through a nondescript opening. Another world greeted us. Shadows danced across the shimmering tunnel walls in

the light of our guide’s ‘naked flame’. We were walking through tubes created by ribbons of molten lava, our guide, a trained speleologist, explained that the lava stalactites were formed while the lava was still active, and if broken would never repair themselves. He pointed out where a tree, caught up in the lava flow, had burned away leaving a cavity. ‘Should have taken those gloves’ went through my mind as we crawled through a narrow section towards the exit. It’s hot and slightly oppressive, but so very worth it!

This eastern side of the island has had a number of encounters with le volcan over the years, some like those of the 2001 and 2007 eruptions that cross the N2 highway and flow into the sea, others like the eruption in 1977 pose a slightly greater threat. On this occasion the lava flowed into the village of Sainte-Rose, destroying several buildings and surrounding the local church - it stopped, miraculously some say, at the door of the church that is now called Notre-Dame des Laves (Our Lady of the Lavas). responsible traveller 13

3

Essential oils

There are a number of traditional essential oil distilleries in Reunion. On one of the many bends in the Maido road we came across the Boutique Artisanale of the Famille Begue, the L’ALAMBIC. We were transported to a yesteryear kind of place with piles of greenery, and a processing plant that would not have been out of place a century ago. Monsieur Begue explained that it takes about 300kg of fresh geranium to produce 100-500ml of essential oil, depending on the season and quality of the plant. And how the piles of greenery are heated in a large copper vat and through a relatively lengthy process of heating and distillation produce the liquid rose geranium essential oil. Pop into the craft shop alongside to taste geranium jelly, ginger jam and to stock up on aromatic soaps and oils.

The other fragrance one associates with the Indian Ocean islands is vanilla – a spice not an oil, but equally pleasing. Driving along the road towards saint-Philippe, if you look carefully, you can see vanilla vines climbing up the palm trees planted in groves alongside the road – this became significant a short while later as we dined on palmiste salad (Heart of Palm) and relished the subtle flavour of vanilla chicken casserole at CHEZ MOUSTACHE, an authentic local restaurant. Reunion Island has been producing this exceptionally valuable spice since 1822 – it is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron. We had a brief introduction to vanilla at the LE DOMAINE DU CAFÉ GRILLE (a botanical garden with a difference), but for an in depth experience a visit to a vanilla plantation would be recommended.

Even in your hotel, you cannot escape the beautiful fragrances of the islands… the PALM HOTEL & SPA had me breathing deeply as we entered the Akea Spa where ylang ylang filled the air, lathering longer than necessary, indulgently breathing in the subtle frangipani of the body wash, and enjoying the lingering air of jasmine on my body as I slipped between the crisp white sheets.

14 responsible traveller

‘the piles of greenery are heated in a large copper vat and through a rather lengthy process of heating and distillation produce the liquid rose geranium essential oil...’ responsible traveller 15

4

Coffee

Our visit to the LE DOMAINE DU CAFÉ GRILLE was meant to be about plants, which it most certainly was. But to me it was more about the coffee I discovered there… As we discovered, this was not an obvious walk along a garden path, but rather a step into the history of Reunion Island through its agricultural heritage and botanical curiosities. From crimson orchids and giant lobster-claws to ‘Buddha’s Belly’ bamboo, exotic fruits and cacao. Chocolate and coffee are really good companions, so it was obvious that the Coffea arabica would follow thebe planted alongside the cacao. But it was the story of the Pointu de Bourbon that catches the imagination.

Bourbon pointu, a product native to Reunion island, and one of the world’s most expensive coffees and has a history dating back to 1715.

16 responsible traveller

At this time Coffea arabica plants were brought from Yemen to Reunion, which at that time was under the possession of Louis XV, King of France.

These plants thrived and after time took on their own identity - the Bourbon pointu coffee was ‘born’ and Reunion became one of the main suppliers of coffee to Europe at that time. And as with all stories, there must be a curve ball or two… by the 1880s cultivation had virtually ceased and it wasn’t until early 2000 that Japanese coffee guru, Mr Yoshiaki Kawashima arrived in Reunion with a plan to ‘revive the coffee of the King’.

The surviving plants, just 30 of them, were carefully extracted and cultivated in nurseries.

Today there are around 60 growers of the famed Bourbon pointu, one of which being the le Domaine du Café Grille plantation. What makes this coffee exceptional is its low level of bitterness and its naturally low caffeine content – this quality clearly comes at a price, selling at prices of at least 200 euro per kg.

After our tour we browsed the delightful craft shop, breather in the aroma of roasted coffee and sipped on an authentic cup of Pointu de Bourbon while our guide Sebastian entertained us with the traditional music of the Island, playing the Kayamb and singing a Maloya song – a song brought to life by slaves in the days gone by.

5

Authentic dining experiences This Island is a melting pot of cultures and the unique local flavours have their roots in French, Malagasy, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Whether you choose to dine at your hotel or in local restaurant you’ll no doubt always have something authentically Reunionese on the menu.

A palmiste salad is usually served as a starter, the Heart of Palm is slivered and served with a dressing. We did however have it served hot as an au gratin at the AUBERGE DU VOLCAN… which was delicious on a chilly damp day. As a main course, the Reunion speciality is the cari, a Creole dish where many ingredients are simmered together with Indian spices.

Traditionally made with meat (including goat – which was delicious), poultry, fish and seafood and eaten with rice, beans and rougail, a spicy condiment with tomatoes, onion and chilli.

Dining at AU K’BANON, overlooking the beach and the L’Ermitage lagoon, was a little different.

As one would expect at somewhere more beach shack that restaurant, rhum cocktails preceded delicious fresh seafood - salmon tartare and calamari salad prepared the local way and served with a pickled salad. Desserts are often fruit based, such as AU K’BANON’s delicious passion fruit-mango-vanilla cheesecake, or the flambéed bananas at AUBERGE DU VOLCAN or wonderfully smooth ice cream flavoured with the subtle taste of vanilla at CHEZ MOUSTACHE. A great way to end a meal (or even start it), is with Rhum arrange – a spiced rum infused with fruit and/or spices, like vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. And in Reunion, you’re never too far from the island’s best brew – Bourbon beer, fondly referred to as La Dodo. It is made from local ingredients, is unique to Reunion and is enjoyed overlooking the ocean, after an exhilarating adventure and as a sundowner.

Our lunch at Chez Moustache being prepared responsible traveller 17

The Grand Galet waterfall

6

Adventure

Reunion Island offers much for the adventurer, from hiking trails and mountain bike routes, to paragliding, diving, mountaineering and canyoning.

Our epic adventure on Reunion was aquatic hiking, deep into the valley of the Langevin River and at the base of the spectacular Grand Galet waterfall.

On arrival at our meeting point, Yosh our guide from RUN ADVENTURES, soon had us kitted out in wetsuit, life jacket, helmet and the final 18 responsible traveller

blow to style, a bright blue piece of plastic, worn like a nappy – at least we rocked the primary colours! Aquatic hiking is a mixture of canyoning and white water hiking, and includes clamouring over rocks, walking through gushing water, swimming through rock pools and leaping off waterfalls into the pools below.

If being an adventurous water-baby is not your thing, you can hike beside (and through) the river and enjoy the spectacular views, lush riverine forest and wonderful bird-life. Either way, it’s an experience not to be missed.

To read the adventurous version, click HERE

responsible traveller 19

7 Conservation

Reunion National Park comprises no less than 42% of the island, and in 2010 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name ‘Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island’ – essentially the core mountainous and volcanic region of the island, a natural habitat with a wide diversity of plants found within its subtropical rainforests, cloud forests and heaths. A great spot to view the spectacular Cirque de Mafete is from Le Maido viewpoint – at a height of 2205m above sea level, it is best to visit early in the morning before they cloud In addition to the Reunion National Park is the 20km of protected lagoon and Marine Nature Reserve of L’ Ermitage, perfect for underwater adventures.

For an exceptional introduction to marine conservation, a visit to Kelonia, the observatory of marine turtles in Saint-Leu is a must. What started out as a breeding programme for the commercial use of marine turtles is now a marine turtle sanctuary. The vast tanks of sea water house rescued turtles, recovering and when ready released back into the ocean. The educational facilities and aquarium like tanks enable visitors to get a close look at these magnificent and endangered species.

‘Reunion National Park comprises no less than 42% of the island, and in 2010 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site...’

20 responsible traveller

Cirque de Mafat from Le Maido viewpoint

Hiking trails

responsible traveller 21

8

Romance

From lazing on the beach, to pampering spa sessions for two, Reunion offers a choice of romantic and luxurious places to stay, from the Lux Saint-Gilles on the west coast to Akoya Hotel & Spa and The Palm Hotel & Spa further south. For a more traditional option opt for the historic Le Juliette Dodu in the Saint-Denis. By night there are wonderful restaurants and local cuisine to tantalise your taste buds, and by day hikes through picturesque forests with visits to perfumeries and vanilla farms, mountains, waterfalls and rivers to explore as well as a plethora of adventure activities.

22 responsible traveller

The wonderfully romantic Palm Hotel & Spa responsible traveller 23

9

History and Culture

First occupied by the French in 1638, named Ile Bourbon in 1649, and then Ile de la Reunion in 1793, Reunion Island has a rich history and an interesting past. French colonisation and the subsequent agricultural development resulted in the importation of slaves from Africa, China and India. Slavery was finally abolished in 1848, but many foreigners still came as indentured workers – this melting pot has resulted in the wonderful cultural diversity, that is expressed in the islands architecture, dance and cuisine.

Stay at the historic LE JULIETTE DODU hotel in Saint-Denis, a listed building and historical monument dating back to East India Company, and the birth of national heroine, Juliette Dodu born in Reunion in 1848. Juliette, at age sixteen, left the island with her mother for France and as the story goes, during the course of the FrancePrussian War of 1870 she became a symbol of the French resistance for setting up a wire-tap and intercepting Prussian transmissions, thus saving the lives of thousands of Frenchmen.

All of the museums in the north of the island are found in Saint-Denis. Stroll along the rue de Paris and check out a few of the 100 plus historical monuments, from the Musée Léon Dierx, which was the bishop’s palace until 1912 to the art gallery, L’Artothèque and the Maison Carrère, a creole town house offering a glimpse of what life was like in the 19th century.

10

Ease of access

Welcome to the Le Juliette Dodu Hotel

Getting to Reunion Island is an easy four hours aboard and Air Austral flight. .

Enjoy a light lunch (accompanied by La Dodo, of course) as you’re whisked from Johannesburg to St.Denis. The best part is that you get to fly to a European feel destination (yes, it’s a region of France and the currency is Euro) at a fraction of the cost… and for South Africans, no visa is required! •

Reunion Island from my Air Austral window seat

24 responsible traveller

Early morning on the beach at Hotel Lux Saint-Gilles

PLACES TO STAY: www.luxresorts.com www.palm.re www.hotel-juliette-dodu.com ACTIVITIES: www.helilagon.com www.canyonreunion.com www.runadventures.com www.kelonia.org

GETTING THERE www.air-austral.com MORE INFO: www.en.reunion.fr www.welcometoreunionisland.com

Huge thanks to Reunion Island Tourism Board for facilitating the trip and hosting us... and thank you to all who wined, dined & accommodated us...

It certainly was an epic #GoToReunion experience!! responsible traveller 25

CONSERVATION PROFILE

GANSBAAI...

home to three Blue Flag certified vessels

T

he quant fishing village of Gansbaai, is now not only home to the Marine Big Five but also to three Blue Flag boats – the only ones in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. The Blue Flag, managed in South Africa by WESSA (the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa), has been operational in South Africa for 16 years. But up until the 2015/2016 year this was limited to Blue Flag beaches, but now includes boats and marinas, with a total of almost 4,300 Blue Flags globally – of which only 30 are boats.

26 responsible traveller

Pic - Tessa Buhrmann ©

CONSERVATION PROFILE

Heading out on Slashfin responsible traveller 27

Pic - Dyer Island Cruises ©

CONSERVATION PROFILE

pic - Sandra Hoerbst ©

Southern right whale

28 responsible traveller

CONSERVATION PROFILE

On board the Whale Whisperer

“This new development is extremely important for us, and it’s very exciting to see that sustainable boating tourism operators in Puerto Rico and South Africa are joining the ones awarded in April in Iceland and Spain. These four countries have successfully implemented the Blue Flag award for eco-tourism boats. They are a great inspiration to the other countries of the network which are also working on implementing the award for eco-tourism boats in the near future. We are looking forward to cooperate on this development with new partners, such as the World Cetacean Alliance”.

Applications for the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label are reviewed by a rigorous approval process concerning national and international assessments. It was announced at the annual launch in October that in addition to the 45 beaches and five marinas, a total of eight sustainable tourism boats, of which all are based in the Western Cape, received Blue Flag status.

Marine Dynamics Tours is no stranger to sustainable operations, and won the African Responsible Tourism Award for Best in Wildlife Conservation in 2015, and the People’s Choice Award (a category based purely on votes by the public) in 2016. Key to winning these awards is their ethos of conservation, sustainability and education.

The award winning MARINE DYNAMICS SHARK TOURS and sister company DYER ISLAND CRUISES are honoured to have had three of their vessels awarded Blue Flag status for the 2016/2017 season. Whale Whisperer was the pilot blue flag boat in South Africa and now Dyer Island Cruises have both vessels, Dream Catcher and Whale Whisperer, Blue Flag certified. This year provided the first opportunity for shark cage diving vessels to be able to apply for Blue Flag certification and Slashfin is now a proud representative as well.

After 30 years of experience Blue Flag International felt their expertise in beaches and marinas could make a difference in the boating tourism industry and worked for three years to establish new criteria for sustainable operations.

Says Sophie Bachet Granados, International Blue Flag Director, “being in charge of a boat requires great responsibility, at all levels. We work hand in hand with companies, to ensure their activity is sustainable, safe and educational”.

As a conservation focused shark cage diving operator, owner of the company, Wilfred Chivell says “I am proud of that we are able to change people’s perceptions of the great white shark, and for the impact we are making in this industry” Together with sister company Dyer Island Cruises, these two Fair Trade Tourism certified companies support the studies of marine biologists, actively raise funds for the research, conservation and educational projects of the DYER ISLAND CONSERVATION TRUST (DICT) that Wilfred established in 2006, as well as the AFRICAN PENGUIN AND SEABIRD SANCTUARY (APSS), a project of the Trust. APSS is a facility that provides temporary care to seabirds in need, with a special focus on the endangered African Penguin.

“Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises are instrumental in the Gansbaai area by investing and participating in these prestigious projects.

This ensures only the best service and quality excursions to our shared tourism clients in the Overberg region,” says marketing executive Cari du Preez.

“Today’s traveller is more discerning and very keen to have information about the businesses whom they spent their money with. Information is also easy to verify and it is general practice to look for responsible traveller 29

CONSERVATION PROFILE

industry endorsements to assist with decision making. The Blue Flag programme is known to cover pristine beaches but also includes marinas and boats. As part of the infrastructure these are very necessary categories that are part of the tourism experience. Marine Dynamics has been the recipient of many sustainable tourism awards and the Blue Flag endorsement is a further feather in their responsible cap.” Frieda Lloyd, Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager.

Dream Catcher whale watching vessel

According to Gansbaai Tourism Manager, Glenda Kitley: “It comes to no surprise that Dyer Island Cruises’ two vessels have once again been awarded Blue Flag status, and that Marine Dynamics’s vessel has also been included this year.

We are well aware that they meet a high standard of excellence in all of their business aspects.

We are extremely pleased and proud that they have been awarded this status as a reward for all the hard work, care and passion that is put in to ensure that the tourist has a wonderful and safe experience. We extend hearty congratulations to Wilfred and his team!

These conservation focused shark cage diving and whale watching operations play host to thousands of people every year; each trip starts with an educational conservation video and as each guest climbs aboard their Blue Flag certified vessel, and learns about marine conservation from the onboard marine biologist, they know for certain that their ‘Choice Makes a Difference’! •

www.sharkwatchsa.com www.whalewatchsa.com www.dict.org.za www.africanpenguin.org

‘Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises are instrumental in Gansbaai area by investing and participating in prestigious conservation projects...’

CARI DU PREEZ Cari du Preez

30 responsible traveller

CONSERVATION PROFILE

Shark cage diving vessel, Slashfin

responsible traveller 31

What’s news...

Kurland Hotel Creates Impressive Greenhouse Kurland Hotel near Plettenberg Bay has created an impressive greenhouse in order to provide a bounty of seasonal, organic herbs and vegetables to be used in the Kurland Restaurant.

This is to coincide with the launch of its summer menu, 2016/2017, which has been created by Executive Chef, Leon Coetzee. The new summer menu, enhanced by the organic produce, offers an extremely cosmopolitan menu with influences of the Far East.

Comments Executive Chef and SASSI Trailblazer Ambassador, Leon Coetzee: “The organic herb and vegetable garden, coupled with the new greenhouse, helps to keep us ‘off-the-grid’ by lowering carbon emission normally created by transport and packaging etc. The fresh produce certainly enhances each and every dish and is of course healthier.”

Some of the menu highlights include - pan fried line fish with pad Thai egg noodles, confit pepper and cumin and lemon beurre blanc, Tom yum prawn curry with litchi and pineapple and

32 responsible traveller

steamed basmati rice, teriyaki rib eye of beef with coconut jelly, roasted carrots, sushi rice, tempura fine beans and a micro green salad as well as pork and root ginger dumplings with aromatic broth. Traditional favourites like our soufflé, kingklip and fillet remain on the menu due to return guests’ demand as being some of their highlights when they dine at the Kurland restaurant.

Also during summer season, the in-house childminder takes younger guests to the organic herb and vegetable garden to educate them on the various vegetables, so they can learn a little about nutrition and what ends up on their plate. This has proven quite a success over the many years we’ve been doing it. From there she takes them to bake cupcakes etc, which they thoroughly enjoy. •

To read about our experience at Kurland, click HERE

www.kurland.co.za

What’s news...

Executive Chef, Leon Coetzee in the organic herb and vegetable garden responsible traveller 33

Seychelles

Image - Seychelles Tourism Board ©

positions itself as a ‘sustainable’ destination

34 responsible traveller

Ox carts and bicycles are the prefered mode of transport on La Digue Island

T

he way South Africans are choosing to travel has changed considerably over the past few years. Travellers have started moving away from the cookie-cutter package holidays towards an experiential travel experience where they can explore a destination on their own terms. responsible traveller 35

In this quest for authentic experiences, sustainable travel has become more popular and more important than ever. Travellers are looking for meaningful activities that will contribute to the destination they are visiting. Increasingly the motto ‘leave only footprints behind’ has made its way into the traveller’s consciousness. Seychelles is the ideal destination for eco-friendly travellers, as the destination is going to great lengths to position itself as a ‘sustainable’ destination.

Here’s how travellers can make the most of their eco-trip to Seychelles: NO MORE PLASTIC ON THE ISLAND By this time next year, plastic bags, plates, cups and forks may be impossible to find in the Seychelles. So, next time you’re having a picnic on the beach, travellers will have to pack paper plates and cups. The Seychelles’ cabinet of ministers recently approved a ban on the importation of Styrofoam lunch boxes and plastic bags, plates, cups and cutlery beginning from January. And, by July 2017 plastic items shouldn’t even be found on store shelves in the island nation.

‘Seychellois Creole cuisine features fresh fish and meats, a great choice of seasonal vegetables, fruits and desserts too...’

EAT AND SHOP LOCAL Travellers are encouraged to ‘go local’ and try local food produce, rather than what is imported.

Seychellois Creole cuisine features fresh fish and meats, a great choice of seasonal vegetables, fruits and desserts too. Buying local stimulates food production and promotes long-term selfreliance. Be sure to visit the local market for a vividly authentic experience of local culture.

36 responsible traveller

Shopping at a local market

responsible traveller 37

Image - Seychelles Tourism Board Š

A Giant Tortoise

38 responsible traveller

Image - Seychelles Tourism Board Š

Image - Constance Ephelia Resort Š

When buying souvenirs, choose locallyproduced art, sculpture and craft made by local craftspeople from sustainable local resources.

ADOPT A TORTOISE Guests can play an important role in ensuring the safety of the Seychelles’ favourite residents, the tortoises. They can choose to adopt a giant tortoise or to plant a fruit tree along the Tortoise Trail near Anse Parc. A plaque will then bear the name of both guest and tortoise.

Also at Desroches Island, travellers can play a part in the conservation of the tortoise at the Giant Tortoise rejuvenation programme, which is aimed at increasing their population on the island. The vegetation restoration plan on Desroches is also helping to preserve these magnificent animals.

STAY IN A SUSTAINABLE HOTEL Make sure the hotel you are staying in a hotel that wears the Sustainable Seychelles Tourism Label with pride, and that it is promoting the Creole culture, local products and is supporting the national heritage.

View from a Hillside Villa at Constance Ephelia Resort

‘Also at Desroches Island, travellers can play a part in the conservation at the Giant Tortoise rejuvenation programme, which is aimed at increasing their population on the island...’

Hilton Labriz Resort and Spa of Silhouette Island and the Anse Forbans Chalets on the Main island of Mahe are the two latest hotels to have received the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL) certification.

The Hilton Labriz Resort strives to be completely self- sufficient through making its own compost from leftovers from the kitchen and using the hydroponics system to grow some of its vegetables such as lettuce.

They are aiming to produce their own bottled mineral water next year which would also limit cost in terms of transportation from Mahe to Silhouette and also the number of plastic water bottles on the island.

Other hotels to carry the SSTL label are the self-sufficient Constance Ephelia Resort, specializing in water conservation, theBarjaya Beau Vallon Bay, theHanneman Holiday Residence, The Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Heliconia Grove, a locally owned self-catering establishment at Cote d’Or on Praslin Island and Bayan Tree, Seychelles.

To read more on the Seychelles Islands & the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label click HERE responsible traveller 39

Image - Cousin Island ©

Cousine Island and beach

SKIP THE CARS AT LA DIGUE ISLAND La Digue Island is a paradise for eco-travellers, as the island is completely free from traffic congestion and noise with only a few cars allowed. People move around by bicycle or ox-cart, creating a lovely and quiet backto-nature feel. Besides ox-carts and bicycles, tourism accommodation establishments also use electric golf carts to provide a transfer service for their clients to and from the La Digue jetty.

The number of golf carts that a hotel may be permitted to operate will depend on the volume of client-transfers required by that hotel.

GO BIRDING ON COUSIN ISLAND Cousin Island, which is owned by Birdlife International, is the most important breeding site for Hawksbill turtles in the Western Indian Ocean.

The reserve is managed by Nature Seychelles and benefits local communities on neighboring Praslin through eco-tourism attracting some 10,000 visitors a year.

40 responsible traveller

In 2010 Cousin became the world’s first carbon neutral reserve. It is an exclusive five-star nature sanctuary covering 25 ha of land with 100% commitment to conserving the environment after undergoing extensive habitat restoration with more than 8000 trees planted and removal of invasive creepers. The vegetation now consists of 95% endemic plants and the remaining 5% is made up of indigenous fruit trees and vegetables.

The island is home to seven species of endemic land birds, nine breeding seabirds, two nesting turtle species and a variety of other wildlife. It is one of the few islands in the Seychelles to be completely free of alien mammals. •

To read more birding in the Seychelles click HERE

www.seychelles.travel

EXPLORE THE EXOTIC ISLANDS of the Seychelles

The Seychelles Islands has long been a favoured destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers and has even been used as a hideout by 17th Century pirates! A destination filled with action, wildlife and discovery you can most definitely find a new adventure everyday across MahĂŠ and the smaller islands.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with our 3 weekly flights.

Contact your local tour operator for your best holiday deal Air Seychelles South Africa Contact Centre on either 011 326 4440, 011 326 4443 or 011 326 4388 or email us on reservations@border-air.co.za The information above is correct at the time of printing. However, changes after publication might occur and will affect the accuracy of the content.

What’s news...

Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards votes Hotel Verde “Best Urban Accommodation” Africa’s Greenest Hotel, Hotel Verde situated at Cape Town International Airport was voted the global winner in the Urban Accommodation category during the 15th annual Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards, held in Monaco this weekend, during the opening ceremony of the 77th Skål World Congress.

Skål is a professional organisation of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry.

The Skål International Sustainable Awards global winners were announced by the President of Skål International, Mr. Nigel Pilkington and the judging panel made the following comment about Hotel Verde, the winner in the Urban Accommodation category: “Hotel Verde is outstanding in their efforts and their consistent dedication to create the least environmental impact on the local community.

Their LEED certification, and various investments to ensure that their infrastructure, maintenance and operations are green - something that made them very notable among other submissions.

They’re highly innovative and appear to have a good grasp of how to create a project that will enable a long-term positive difference.” The panel concluded with ”Hotel Verde, in Cape Town, South Africa, serves as a good example to other hotels in the world, providing a role model for a higher ecological hotel management.”

Hotel Verde is the first hotel in the world to be certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum for both Design & Construction, as well as Operations & Maintenance, from the United States Green Building Council. The LEED certification, developed by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) and administered and audited by the GBCI (Green Building Certification Institute), is considered globally as the premier mark of accomplishment in green building and provides independent third party verification that a building was designed, built and/or operated sustainably.

Sustainable in this sense refers to a comprehensive list of factors including, but not limited to, energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 and other greenhouse and harmful gas emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental 42 responsible traveller

quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. In addition to the LEED certification, Hotel Verde has brought a number of firsts to the African continent: Carbon neutral auditable certificates for either guest or conferences held at Hotel Verde.

Guests and conference delegates receive a carbon offset certificate after their stay or conference with the hotel, stating the amount of carbon (in kg) that they have personally offset by choosing the hotel. This is an auditable and trackable certificate which is emailed to the guest, can be shared on social media and can be used directly toward sustainability and integrated reporting. These certificates are provided at no extra or hidden cost, to the guests. Other initiatives included the installation of an industrial scale vertical geothermal loop system, the first hotel carbon management initiative of its kind, the installation of regenerative drive elevators and power generating gym equipment.

Hotel Verde is managed by VERDE HOTELS Africa’s very first responsible hotel management operator. The group take on the retrofitting of existing properties and the constructions of new developments and delivers a turn-key hotel management model based on the principles of Thrivability, extending the conventional borders of sustainable and responsible tourism. VERDE HOTELS integrates Thrivability into the design, construction, refurbishment and operations of their hotels, in order to showcase social, environmental and economic best practice.

In 2015 Hotel Verde teamed up with the Green Building Council of South Africa, to assist in piloting the Existing Building Performance toolkit.

The hotel was subsequently certified as the very first, six star Green Star SA Project, based on this tool. This provided yet another third party verification of Hotel Verde’s status of world leadership in green building operation, ensuring the hotel is continually operated with stringent efficiency and sustainability targets.

In three years, Hotel Verde has become known locally and internationally, not only for its sustainable design, construction and operational practices; but also for being one of Cape Town’s most quirky and creative hotels.

“We are proud that our aim to be a Thrivable environmentally protective hotel has been recognized by our industry peers, on a global

What’s news... level. My team at VERDE HOTELS is committed to ensuring we operate hotels for future benefit of the planet and its people, yielding a thrivable business for owners and investors, on an international level.” said a very proud Samantha Annandale, CEO of Verde Hotels, during the awards ceremony.

In conclusion the Minister of Tourism for South Africa, Derek Hanekom had this to say, “Hotel Verde managed by VERDE HOTELS and others in the tourism sector who are striving towards greater sustainability, are maintaining our country’s competitive edge in the global tourism market. Their success comes from taking a responsible approach right from the start of their planning, and then ensuring that all their products, services and activities are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable into the future. We must now spread these worldleading responsible tourism practices throughout the entire tourism industry. Tourists are becoming increasingly concerned about social and environmental issues, and they want to support destinations and products that take responsible tourism seriously.” •

www.hotelverde.comX

Great new book for Botanists, Conservationists & Plant Lovers The Illustrated Dictionary of Southern African Plant Names is authored by Michael Charters, a nonprofessional botanist and wildflower photographer and Hugh Gasgoyne Clarke, who has written numerous books in the fields of botany. This book, the first of its kind, compiled over six years, provides a wealth of information that opens up a new world of understanding for all plant lovers.

For anyone with an interest in botany or wondering what a plant name means, this remarkable book will be an indispensable guide.

Inside the book you will find nearly 5 000 entries and over 500 beautiful full-colour photographs of plants taken by South African top botanical photographers. These photographs not only give life to the book but in many cases illustrate how these names relate to the plant.

There are more than 900 short biographies together with some 500 portraits in which readers are introduced to the amazing lives of people after whom generic plants are named: their discoveries, contributions to science, their explorations, their achievements and tragedies, thus conserving southern African botanical history. But above all, the book is a dictionary of meaning – explaining what the puzzling scientific names written in botanical Latin mean, and giving hints and clues as to why the author named the plant that way.

“I truly believe this dictionary is a ‘once-in-alifetime’ book that you will not find anywhere else in the world and which is an historically significant contribution to regional botany.”

– Professor Eugene Moll (Editor)

www.jacana.co.za

responsible traveller 43

TH A N D A ... for the love of Africa Words - Tessa Buhrmann

Pride of lions on a game drive

44 responsible traveller

Image - Christian Sperka for Thanda Safari ©

T

here’s nothing quite like the smell of the African bush, the sounds of unseen creatures and critters and the anticipation of what might be around the next corner. We had the privilege of being ensconced in one of the luxury ‘tents’ at Thanda Tented Camp… we may have been in a tent, but the only thing close to camping about it was the closeness of the bush around us. We were in for an authentic safari experience where the pathways are lit by the gentle light from paraffin lanterns, the flickering light of the campfire invites you into the boma where you’re welcomed with a Zulu song. responsible traveller 45

Images - Christian Sperka for Thanda Safari Š

The interior of a tent at Thanda Tented Camp

One of the tents atThanda Tented Camp

46 responsible traveller

The other great thing about Thanda Tented is that the camp is non-electrified, relying on limited solar and battery power with a few hours of generator to power the tents each day. Our tent, with its ‘Out of Africa’ feel, had a wonderfully spacious bedroom, en-suite canvas bathroom and huge outdoor shower. The private deck overlooking the valley offered the perfect spot to relax, binoculars in hand, watching the birds flitting in the bush and checking the distant hillside for ellies. Alas, we would have to wait for our game drive to see elephants – and see them we did!

Our experienced ranger Ephraim was adept at reversing at speed – an art he acquired after a close shave with a grumpy elephant many years previously at the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.

Thankfully this is skill was only required on our last afternoon game drive… up till that point we were happy with the knowledge that he could get us out of a pickle if required. It did come in useful however getting us up close to the young cheetah brothers enjoying a feast on a downed wildebeest, and when we needed to head down into a valley where two white rhino were nonchalantly grazing. It was this skill, together with our tracker, Ronnie’s knowledge that enabled us to spend time watching an interesting interaction between a lion and two lionesses at dusk.

Driving through the rolling hills of this, the Zululand region, of KwaZulu-Natal one cannot help but be aware of the challenges rural Zulu communities face and checking in for a luxury safari experience could feel somewhat improper.

And it would be were it not for the ethos of responsible tourism that underpins every decision owners of Thanda Safari, Christin and Dan Olofsson make. From the very beginning with their significant investment and commitment to creating employment, to their continuous work into the neighbouring communities, the rehabilitation of the land and the many conservation initiatives. Their love for Africa and the Zulu people is even reflected in the name – Thanda, means ‘love’ in isiZulu.

It was his innate knowledge of the bush and traditional Zulu culture however that added another dimension to each game drive. Ephraim told of traditional remedies, passed down from one generation to another, and of bush skills like creating a toothbrush using a thin branch from a Blue Guarri bush (umNqandaqne) and using ash from the fire as toothpaste. We drive past a grove of fever trees (known as the umHlosinga or umKhanyakude in Zulu) and he tells that the bark is used medicinally for fevers and for eye complaints. It is fascinating, but the elephants beneath the fever trees demand our attention.

It is at our coffee break that we learn a little more about the game restoration project, and how this was once overgrazed and unproductive farmland.

He tells of the newest section of the reserve, the Mduna Royal Reserve (land that is held in trust for the Zulu people by the Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu), a partnership between the Thanda Foundation, Ingonyama Trust and the Wildlands Conservation Trust. And that Thanda has committed to return this land to its wilderness state, to reintroduce and manage the wildlife, and to ensure security and anti-poaching measures.

This doesn’t surprise me knowing that Thanda favours ‘community-based natural resource responsible traveller 47

management’, and who’s ecological commitment is about looking after and sustainably utilising the land, water, animals and plants in a way that offers maximum benefit to local communities and future generations.

Filled with knowledge, we head back for a sumptuous buffet breakfast. Meals at Thanda Tented include breakfast, a high tea before the afternoon game drive and dinner – either in the main dining area or the boma. Leisure time between game drives can be spent napping in your suite, taking the opportunity to upskill with a few photographic lessons from resident photographer Christian Sperka or being wonderfully pampered at the safari spa.

Needless to say, the nap would have to wait for another visit, as I opted for both a spa treatment and photography lesson. The spa treatment was sublime… Lindy the spa therapist worked at the stress of the previous weeks while I breathed in the subtle fragrances of orange and jasmine as the breeze from the open tent cooled the air.

And Christian’s lesson invaluable. A few simple hints and tips had me falling in love with my not so fancy camera all over again. (Note to self always remember Christian’s tip about carrying a spare battery!!)

HIgh tea...

A game of chess in the lounge

Later that afternoon it was Ronnie that had the close encounter. We were watching a herd of buffalo grazing when a curious youngster decided to investigate what the protrusion in front of the game viewing vehicle was – it was Ronnie. Getting a little too close for comfort Ronnie gave the curios critter a gentle nudge to which it leapt back, an proceeded to look at us with disdain down his bovine nose. Being our last evening drive we were set on finding leopard, the final member of the Big Five, but try as we might, they remained elusive.

48 responsible traveller

Images - Tessa Buhrmann ©

Soon it was time to test the camera out… Nyala, impala and soon the Elephant. A whole herd of them. Big ones, little ones, and teenage ones giving each other the gears – all very playful and all under control. To the left of us, along a side road was a ‘young adult’, I’ll call him Bill. Bill was doing what young elephants do best, tugging on branches, destructing a few small trees and enjoying a sand bath with the rich red sand of the road. He was pretty much ignoring us, but Ephraim, ever alert kept the vehicle running and prepared for anything. Bill was ambling slowly up the road towards us, Ephraim was reversing slowly… suddenly Bill waved his ears and mock charged us. Ephraim’s skills were now put to the test – and we left Bill and his family to continue in peace.

Much LOVE at Thanda

The brothers ‘dining out’

Ronnie being ‘eyed out’ by the buffalo

An ox-pecker on a rhino responsible traveller 49

Image - Christian Sperka for Thanda Safari ©

Our final treat for the evening (or so we thought) was a spotted hyena, skulking around on the edge of the bush.

Back at camp the obligatory G&T awaited us… as did the flickering light of the campfire in the boma and melodious voices of Zulu women.

The Zulu Mamas, a choir of mothers from the local community, were dressed in traditional wear and performed meaningful traditional songs – one about the threat of poaching to the Bhejane (rhino), and another about finding a man 50 responsible traveller

Zulu Mamas performing in the boma

of character. Subjects that we could all relate to, something beyond the love of Africa and of Thanda that somehow united us in the soft glow of the firelight.

What a perfect way to spend our last evening… •

Clock HERE to watch a tribute to the Mamas of Thanda

www.thanda.com

responsible traveller 51

What’s news...

Thanda Safari Gathers International Artists for an Exceptional Fundraising Initiative Thanda Safari, the private game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, recently hosted 20 artists from around the world for a week long, first-of-itskind, art project titled Art Project Thanda – Star for Life 2016. Invited by Christin and Dan Olofsson, Thanda Safari’s owners and founders of Star for Life (an awareness, education and AIDS prevention programme for school children), the international group of artists began to create pieces of art inspired by their safari surrounds and the people they met.

Renowned for their use of varying art, their work will go on to benefit Star for Life’s programme, raising funds through a unique exhibition and auction that will be held at Stockholm’s Auktionsverk in Autumn 2017.

Paloma Porraz, former Director of The San Ildefonso Museum in Mexico City, the artLeslie Sardinias, from Cuba/New York

One of the Thanda staff posing for Johan Falkman from Malmö, Sweden

52 responsible traveller

historian, Leticia Lopez Orozco, UNAM-University Mexico City, the Director of Stockholm’s Auktionsverk, Niclas Forsman, and the author and World President of PEN International, Jennifer Clement, are all part of this creative group. Included too are photographers, a film maker, fashion designers and painters.

Christin and Dan Olofsson who founded the Star for Life project in 2005 invited renowned sculptor and artist Johan Falkman from Sweden to help bring together this group of international artists to visit Thanda Safari and to see the dedicated community work the Star for Life project does.

Experiencing the African bush and being able to interact with Thanda Safari staff and local communities, the artists certainly found the passion and inspiration to create multiple works Elisabeth de Jesus Espinosa from Mexico City, Mexico

What’s news... of art, ranging from still life and landscape paintings, to massive murals, inspired portraits, abstract art and much more. The artists will continue to work on their art in their home environment during 2017, having them ready by mid-year in preparation for a book that will be penned by Jennifer Clement.

The artists were together for a week, during which time they began creating their unique pieces of art inspired by the energy that surrounds Thanda Safari, the communities and the quality time they spent with the children.

The Star for Life Project is an awareness, education and prevention programme that began at the Siphosabadletshe High School, near Hluhluwe in Zululand, in 2005. Launched as a school-based HIV and AIDS prevention programme, Star for Life empowers youth with information and motivation to take decisions that will reduce the risk of them contracting HIV. It is also committed to building positive attitudes

and changing risky behaviours in ways that empower young people to realise their dreams of a better future.

After an assessment at the end of 2005, funding was raised in Sweden to expand the project to 40 schools in the uMkhanyakude District, at a cost of R32m. The project now reaches over 100, 000 children with its message of “AIDSfree, that’s me” using ‘mental vaccination’ to help learners to make informed choices about sexuality.

There are currently 62 staff members led

by Executive Director Thandeka Mabaso all of whom are qualified and skilled coaches, counsellors and trainers. The project’s head office is in Richards Bay with other offices in Hluhluwe, Johannesburg and Windhoek, Namibia. •

www.artprojectthanda.com www.thanda.com Delta

Agustin González from Mexico City, Mexico

Alfredo Nieto, Mexico City, Mexico with his ‘model’ Emanuel Röhss from Los Angeles/ Stockholm, Sweden

responsible traveller 53

What’s news...

Leading South African Game Reserve Receives Exceptional Recognition at Industry Awards Eastern Cape favourite, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve has won a string of admirable awards at the 2017 Safari Awards held in London on 8th November. Most commendable is Kwandwe Ecca Lodge’s award for Best Ecologically Responsible property for which it came first place in the South Africa category and second place in the overall Africa category. Great Fish River Lodge also won Best Location in South Africa whilst Ecca Lodge went on to win second place for Best Family Experience in both South Africa and Africa.

Ecca Lodge also came second place in the Best Community Focused category and was Highly Commended in both the Best Safari Cuisine and Best Design categories too. Last but certainly not least, both Ecca and Great Fish River Lodges came 2nd and 3rd place respectively for having the ‘Best Safari Guiding Team’ in South Africa!

in abundance across the reserve, it is thought that as much as four tons of carbon may be stored per hectare.

A safari at Kwandwe is fun and interactive with flexibility at the core of the guest experience.

Gaining the well-earned applause from guests and industry peers, the superb team of engaging guides host guests on a wide variety of safaris from bush walks and birding by boat to conservation activities. Family safaris have an adventurous eco-focus with new activities adapted around their ages whilst the gastronomic offering, both in lodge and out on the reserve, offers an element of innovation and

A vast 54,000 acre wilderness region, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve has a holistic approach to green and sustainable practices. Offering exceptional wildlife viewing, the reserve’s diverse landscape and 5 biomes are home to wide variety of game including the Big 5 and threatened species such as the Black Wildebeest, Crowned Eagle, Black Footed Cat and the highly endangered Blue Crane, from which it gets its name.

With just 22 rooms split between two small safari lodges (Ecca and Great Fish River Lodges) and two private safari villas (Melton Manor and Uplands Homestead) Kwandwe has one of the highest land to guest ratios in South Africa.

Its high-yield-low-impact policy consciously produces less environmental impact, resource consumption and waste generation. Kwandwe captures vast amounts of rain water for human consumption rather than having large scale water treatment and water waste systems.

Solar technology is used extensively throughout the reserve to reduce electricity consumption and therefore carbon emissions whilst their policy of supporting local businesses assures food miles are reduced, with some herbs and vegetables grown on the reserve.

A safari at Kwandwe is carbon neutral too.

Portulacaria afra, known as Spekboom in Afrikaans, is a nutritious thicket favoured by many grazing herbivores and one of the top five carbon-storing vegetations on the planet. Found 54 responsible traveller

Best Ecologically Responsible

What’s news... surprise. It is these subtleties that made a safari at Kwandwe stand apart.

Community development has also been at the forefront of Kwandwe’s activities. Kwandwe differs greatly from other game reserves in South Africa by virtue of the large numbers of people that live within the reserve, many of which work for Kwandwe making it one of the largest employers in the area.

It initiated a social development arm in 2002 with the aim of unlocking the vast potential of local individuals and communities and has since made a real difference to people in the Eastern Cape. They have provided adult education and training for potential staff; launched a positive health programme for Kwandwe staff, their families and 10 local rural villages; funded the

construction of Fort Brown primary school and co-funded the construction of a Development Centre for Rhodes University; donated land for the development of an agri-village and Community Centre and set up a pre-school and aftercare centre on the property for children of staff. Guests are invited to spend time with the ladies and the children at the Community Centre through their Community Voluntourism programme. •

To read more about Kwandwe’s responsible tourism initiatives, click HERE

www.kwandwe.com Best Family Experience

Best Safari Guiding Team

responsible traveller 55

CONSERVATION PROFILE

Oceans Without Borders words & pics - andBeyond

56 responsible traveller

W

CONSERVATION PROFILE

ith an increasing number of factors affecting the health of the world’s marine resources, and experts predicting the collapse of global fisheries by 2048, andBeyond is expanding its focus on wildlife conservation to include the protection and sustainability of our seas with Oceans Without Borders – a call to preserving our marine eco-systems.

Building on the positive influence it extends over more than 9 million acres of protected wildlife land, &Beyond has recently increased its portfolio of exclusive island lodges to now encompass, &Beyond Mnemba Island, off the coast of Zanzibar, &Beyond Benguerra Island, in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago and &Beyond Vamizi Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago. All of these incredible destinations are situated within protected marine areas and boast a strong conservation focus.

By connecting these three destinations, Oceans Without Borders will play a significant role in the conservation of 2 000 kilometres (1 243 miles) of wild African coastline.

Care of the oceans falls within &Beyond’s core ethos of ‘Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People’. This threepronged approached has helped them achieve exceptional results with their conservation projects on land and they are confident it will help them attain the same successes in terms of marine conservation.

The success of their land-based conservation model has involved focussing on communities and their development as a strategy to ensure their buy-in for conservation and to mitigate their potential impact on the environment.

Once community relationships have been established, they have been able to carry out focussed research projects on the reserves.

Scuba diving off Benguerra Island

Thanks to the success of this proven model, they have decided to implement a similar approach for marine conservation. &Beyond has engaged with the local fishing communities living near each of their island lodges in the belief that it essential for them to understand these people, whose livelihoods are largely dependent on the ocean. responsible traveller 57

CONSERVATION PROFILE With three island lodges in their portfolio, marine conservation can now receive the same focus as land-based conservation projects. &Beyond Mnemba Island,&Beyond Benguerra Island and &Beyond Vamizi Island are all situated within protected marine areas and boast a strong conservation focus. By connecting these three destinations, Oceans Without Borders will play a significant role in the conservation of 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles) of wild African coastline.

OCEANS WITHOUT BORDERS FOCUS AREAS: Community Development &Beyond has always believed that the land (or oceans), the people and the animals are inextricably intertwined. Just as ecotourism and the conservation of resources are vital for the future and prosperity of their people, so the support of those people is critical to protecting threatened ecosystems, endangered species and the precious biodiversity of the land and the oceans. Their conservation projects on land have been so successful because they have involved the people who live near the conservation areas, giving them a stake in the preservation of these resources.

Ironically, the very communities that rely the most closely on marine resources often pose the biggest threat to those very same resources.

For this reason, at all three of their island lodges, their most immediate focus will be on reducing the local communities’ dependence on the ocean and giving them a stake in the preservation of the marine world.

Key Projects: •

•

•

Education is a strong focus at all three lodges, with local communities taught how to ensure the survival of fish resources in the surrounding reefs.

Working with their community development partners, Africa Foundation and Friends of Vamizi, &Beyond focuses on small business development as an alternative source of income to fishing.

By helping to create vegetable gardens and farms, they attempt to set up alternative food sources for local communities to lessen their dependence on marine resources.

allows steps to be taken to minimise this impact and mitigate the threats.

While each lodge and their applicable partners will run their own initiatives, a coordinated project will consolidate findings. Although research is performed at each destination, no comparisons have previously been undertaken.

What is being Monitored?

• Coral Reefs Coral reefs are a vital indicator of the health of the earth’s oceans and are increasingly threatened around the world. The reefs at each destination are currently monitored by various partners of Oceans Without Borders

• Whales &Beyond are investigating the best means of monitoring whale migration routes at all three islands. As conditions differ vastly between the three destinations, the effectiveness of using whale sonar equipment at each island to identify whale pods by sound is being evaluated.

They are also looking into using hydrophones to record whale songs to identify the movements of individuals. At the lodges where whales are frequently spotted, guests can be involved in using photo identification to help track their movements.

• Turtles Turtle nesting is currently monitored at Vamizi and Mnemba. &Beyond Vamizi Island is home to the oldest and only ongoing turtle monitoring project in northern Mozambique, which is managed by one of the longest-standing turtle monitoring programmes in East Africa. A dedicated team of Conservation Monitors records data and tags the turtles with a unique number that allows their movements to be tracked. &Beyond Mnemba Island is the only protected nesting site for the endangered green turtle in Zanzibar and one of few in the whole of Tanzania. &Beyond staff monitor turtle nests, protecting the eggs, hatchlings and the mother, and share their data with research organisations, as well as the government of Zanzibar.

Monitoring and Research

THEIR IMPACT: THE PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES

Even in areas where marine resources are currently protected, monitoring and research is crucial to set a baseline which can be referenced over time to identify any potential threats in order to understand their impact. This then

With climate change, pollution and habitat loss all putting an increased strain on the world’s marine species, &Beyond believes that it is now more important than ever to protect the marine life in the oceans that lie off their island lodges.

58 responsible traveller

CONSERVATION PROFILE Vamizi Island

Mnemba Island turtle conservation

Benguerra Island fishermen responsible traveller 59

CONSERVATION PROFILE

Scuba diving with a turtle off Vamizi Island

60 responsible traveller

CONSERVATION PROFILE Key Projects Ader’s Duiker &Beyond Mnemba Island is home to the Ader’s duiker, the rarest antelope species in Africa.

The numbers of the antelope have more than quadrupled since the introduction of five duiker to Mnemba in 2005, with an estimated 35 duiker currently living on the island. &Beyond is collecting data to improve the breeding programme and to work out the best population size to ensure the long-term survival of the duiker and the health of the island.

Suni A breeding project for these endangered antelope is run at &Beyond Mnemba Island.

More than 300 have since been translocated from Mnemba to create new ,or boost existing, populations in other parks. The number of suni has been carefully monitored and reduced by means of translocation to ensure that it does not impact on the Ader’s duiker breeding project.

Coconut Crabs &Beyond Mnemba Island is home to a small but stable population of these largest of land crabs.

Very little is known about coconut crabs and the island was home to the first study on them to be conducted in Africa.

A Dugong off Benguerra Island

‘With climate change, pollution and habitat loss all putting an ncreased strain on the world’s marine species, it is now more important than ever to protect the marine life in the oceans...’

Dugong &Beyond Benguerra Island is home to the only population of the endangered dugong along the east coast of Africa, about 250 animals.

Law enforcement and research on the island is managed by ANAC, the National Parks authority.

Fishing nets and community fishing pose the single greatest threat to the dugong. &Beyond’s strategy to counter this is to work with local communities on establishing alternative sources of food and livelihoods other than fishing, thereby reducing the use of the nets.

They are working with the local communities and the Africa Foundation on identifying the needs of the community and creating solutions.

Grey Reef Sharks &Beyond Vamizi island is home to one of the very few congregations of grey reef sharks on the east coast of Africa. All the sharks in the congregation are mature females and it is likely this behaviour has to do with breeding.

Vamizi is tagging the sharks and recording their movements to research this phenomenon. •

www.andbeyond.com responsible traveller 61

What’s news...

Abu Camp Ends Elephant Riding For over 20 years, Abu Camp has offered its guests a rare African experience of walking and interacting with elephants in the wild. Located within the vast 180 000-hectare (450 000-acre) Abu Concession, a pristine, exclusive wilderness in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, guests can closely observe and interact with the Abu herd and learn about wildlife and habitat conservation from guides, elephant experts and researchers.

spend time with the Abu herd, walking with them through the bush, observing them up close in the wild and getting to know their individual characters, whilst most importantly learning more about the importance of elephant conservation from local guides and researchers,” stated Kim Nixon, Wilderness Safaris Botswana MD.

Following an extensive review of its programme and in compliance with recent government directives, as of 31 December 2016, Abu Camp will no longer allow guests to ride elephants.

The Camp will continue to focus its programme on respectful, less intrusive forms of elephant interaction and education consistent with the highest industry standards, including its immersive walking-based experience.

Abu Camp has received worldwide recognition for its innovative work with orphaned and rejected elephants who have come together to form the Abu herd. This herd of personalities, from matriarch Cathy to naughty youngest, Naledi, forms the heart of the interactive elephant experience, where guests meet, walk and intermingle with the animals. Abu is a place that concentrates on the broader and more meaningful element of elephant conservation and involves its guests in these efforts.

“Our Abu elephant programme focuses on the full elephant conservation experience, offering guests and families the unique opportunity to

The Camp’s vision has always been to care for these abused or orphaned elephants and, where possible, to return these elephants that have

62 responsible traveller

What’s news... spent much of their life in captivity back into the African wild. The movements and behaviour of the reintroduced elephants are studied by scientists in the wild, thus contributing significantly to our understanding of the conservation issues that the species faces. Since the inception of Abu Camp, nine elephants have been successfully reintroduced into the wild.

“Through the centre of excellence that we have created at Abu Camp, we hope to become the world’s leading experts on everything related to elephant conservation and to share our knowledge with all Government and conservation partners and guests to ensure the long-term survival of the species. The Abu herd members also function as ambassadors for their species, sharing with guests an important message of conservation and hope for each elephant life. We look forward to continue offering our guests a lifechanging elephant experience at this remarkable camp”, said Wellington Jana, head of Abu Camp’s elephant team. •

www.wilderness-safaris.com

Beach project to provide jobs for local youth The Department of Tourism has entered a three year partnership with Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) to train 200 beach stewards to enhance tourism facilities and services at 50 mostly Blue Flag beaches in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

Speaking at the launch event at Marina Beach on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal today, Minister Derek Hanekom lauded the R40 million programme which will advance responsible tourism along the country’s approximately 3 000km coastline. “I would like to congratulate the 200 beach ambassadors. We see the programme as a start to make our attractions even greater. We aim for this programme to help us double our number of Blue Flag beaches and in the process create more jobs opportunities,” stated Minister Hanekom.

The Blue Flag Project will train 200 youth from low-income, coastal households in the National Certificate in Environmental Education Training and Development Practices NQF 5 specialising in Tourism. The training will run over a 28 month period and will be complemented by practical work experience.

The beach stewards will provide local member municipalities with adequate infrastructural support to maintain the required high standards of safety, environmental management, water quality and environmental education at Blue Flag sites, as well as assist other beaches to attain this prestigious status. As part of this, they will keep beaches clean and safe, provide beach goers with information and protect the coastal environment.

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environment Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala emphasised how critical Blue Flag sites are to tourism. “If you are a province such as KwaZulu-Natal which is blessed with tourism and are preferred by both international and local tourists, then you know what is at stake to uphold a Blue Flag status,” said MEC Zikalala.

The Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Ms Nomusa Mqwebu, welcomed the initiative that will provide opportunities for coastal youth. “Blue Flag status is the ideal catalyst to improve tourism, both domestic and international. A number of studies indicated, travellers are no longer content with sunshine and fun at the beach; they also want to know that they are getting value for money by placing a premium on those beaches which are of the highest standard”. •

www.wessa.org.za responsible traveller 63

Image - andBeyond Š

T R AV E L T I P S f rom the marke t pl a c e‌

64 responsible traveller

L

eft your holiday planning a little late? Or choosing to stay at home and plan for later in the year? Well here are a few options and trends to keep in mind...

SAFARIS AND SPAS CREATE A SWEET SPOT FOR AFRICA You might want to follow the trend that was revealed in the WTM Global Trends Report 2016, in association with Euromonitor International, released recently at World Travel Market London.

The reports states that safari holidays, one of the continent’s most important segments, are increasingly including yoga, spa and meditation as part of the itinerary.

The idea of ‘wellness in the wilderness’ also resonates with travellers seeking unique and authentic experience, resulting in a demand for spiritual travel with an adventure component.

Furthermore, the Global Wellness Summit found that in 2014, wellness travel - defined as travel with a purpose of improving health and wellbeing - was growing at 74% more than regular global travel.

Another factor on the rise is the emphasis on sustainable and reduced footprint holidays, with increasing importance placed on ensuring that the benefits of tourism are directly and indirectly shared with the local economy.

Quality time spent with loved ones, including oneself, is said to be ranked highly, so a safari in the middle of nowhere could be is the ultimate form of wellness travel. Mindfulness travel is a fairly new concept that looks to capitalise on the emotional and spiritual benefits of tourism, and is complementary to the wellness trend. The great animal migrations seen across Botswana and Tanzania could be the focus of a wellness or mindfulness travel experience. This safari/spa trend often combines adventure and relaxation in a natural environment - which can also satisfy the demand from travellers for a sustainable and responsible experience.

For some great safari and spa options check these out... www.thanda.com www.andbeyond.com www.wilderness-safaris.com Early morning on the beach at andBeyond Mnemba Island

responsible traveller 65

SUMMER SUNSHINE IN SWAZILAND Summer has finally arrived in the Southern Hemisphere, and with the warmer weather comes the promise of beautiful days and time spent outdoors. And what better place to be outside than in the Kingdom of Swaziland.

This small, landlocked kingdom is the ideal summer destination if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the best that nature has to offer. The Kingdom of Swaziland boasts magnificent scenery from rivers, waterfalls and gorges, unique rock formations- which are among the world’s most ancient, lush and fertile valleys, plus typical African bush.

Swaziland offers a variety of thrilling summer adventure activities that belies its small size.

Caving, canopy tours, climbing, abseiling, tubing and white water rafting test even the most daring young adventurer. And although there are no beaches, water sports rank high on Swaziland’s “to-do” list.

But for the travelers who prefer less adrenaline, but are still packed full of excitement, Swaziland offers cultural activities to keep those young minds enthralled. Why not embark on a safari where you can head off for your own bike ride and encounter zebra and bushbuck along the way, or take a stroll to see the giraffe before settling down to your own bush barbeque?

Whatever you dream of for your summer holiday, The Kingdom of Swaziland offers you a grand summer adventure!

www.thekingdomofswaziland.com 66 responsible traveller

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND SO AS TO GO ON HOLIDAY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK! It’s the season to be jolly and many people will be using this festive time to get away and relax. While getaways are always exciting, they do unfortunately often end up costing more than planned. Making sure you have a proper budget and stick to it will ensure that the holiday mood continues into next year and that you’re not left with any financial regrets.

John Manyike, head of financial education at Old Mutual, cautions holidaymakers: “Many people do make a holiday budget in advance but once they arrive at their destination, their excitement gets the better of them and their financial planning goes out the window. Think strategically to help you stay within your budget throughout your vacation.”

5 tips to curb overspending while travelling: 1. Do your homework Before you depart, do some research and plan your route and your excursions on a detailed map to help you cut down on unnecessary fuel or public transport fares. This could also help you to find more cost-effective destinations outside of the typically more expensive tourist spots.

2. Ask about hotel services and discounts If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, find out in advance what amenities and services are included.

Make use of any free services provided by the hotel, such as Wi-Fi and shuttle services, as they can add up to significant savings over the duration of a holiday. Many hotels and resorts also have loyalty programmes, so if you’re a regular guest you should find out if you’re eligible for any discounts.

3. Travel light If you’re flying, keep to the baggage allowance for the carrier you’re travelling with. This will ensure you eliminate any extra baggage costs. Even if you’re going on a long trip, it will be cheaper to take half the clothes you need and make use of a laundry service (or wash them yourself) than taking extra baggage.

4. Use cash instead of your credit card Using cash will help you keep track of how much you have and maintain your allocated daily budget.

Portion your money for each day, making sure you carry only the day’s cash to spend and not a cent more, and only use your credit card in an emergency. Another advantage of carrying cash is that you can often negotiate for discounts. But remember to be vigilant with both your money and cards to avoid falling victim to theft.

5. Pack your own food Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating a balanced breakfast will sustain you through most of the day, meaning you can avoid costly lunches at restaurants. Pack and enjoy your own picnic lunch instead.

Manyike adds that there are also savings precautions you need to take at home before you set off on your journey. To save on energy costs, Manyike suggests you switch off your geyser, your lights and all non-essential appliances. “If you’re away for some time, try to clear your fridge and switch it off before you go, and set your pool’s pump or water feature on energy-efficient timers,” he says. “By following these tips, and sticking to your holiday budget, you are likely to return home in good financial health and ready to start 2017 in a relaxed frame of mind,” concludes Manyike.

www.oldmutual.co.za responsible traveller 67

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DURBAN THIS SUMMER A group of local South African bloggers joined their digital forces to create another #Blogathon campaign to show The Best Things To Do In Durban This Summer. This campaign in partnership with Cheapflights and Durban Tourism, highlighted some of the city’s most iconic sights and activities, just in time for the busiest season on the South African coast.

The global travel trend of Living Like A Local continues as consumers prefer and trust the opinions locals & peers rather than content created by brands which means local digital content creators can be used as an insightful source of information for brands which help with decision-making when it comes to travel.

Tessa Buhrmann from EXPERIENCE LUXURY TRAVEL grabbed Durban’s summer season (which almost comes down to 12 months a year) with both hands and explored the luxurious side of Durban with a high tea, a night on a yacht and an evening at the theatre.

“For a completely different accommodation experience be sure to check out Yacht Numzaan. This eight sleeper yacht offers the romance of sleeping ‘on’ the water, of waking up to spectacular sunrises, and having the flexibility of coming and going as you please.”

Verushka Ramasami from THE SPICE GODDESS is a Durbanite and knows the city like the back of her hand. As a foodie at heart she shared some of Durbs’ top spots for a drink, a bite and an evening of pure bliss.

“Freak Milkshakes is the latest food/drink craze to hit the Durban Food scene. Chef Rev is the man behind these magically crafted milkshakes that are indeed a freak in the world of milkshakes.”

68 responsible traveller

Bob Perfect from DURBAN IN YOUR’S entertainment-focused local blog, knows what’s happening, the gigs that are lined up, who to watch and where to catch the greatest shows the 031 has ever seen.

“While there are a ton of comedy gigs going down this Summer, Saturday Night Laugh consistently provides the finest in local stand up every Saturday.

The brainchild of Durban comedy stalwarts Neil Green, Richelie B and Carvin Goldstone.”

Dawn Jorgensen from THE INCIDENTAL TOURIST desribed Durban as an African city and, giving her love for the ocean, she recommended a few salty adventures as well as old and new discoveries in the heart of the city’s center.

“Durban is a city that deserves a closer look and exploration. I know that each time I visit I uncover a new aspect to it that draws me further in and leaves me wanting for more.”

Di Brown from ROAMING GIRAFFE explored Durban with a few locals and shared some of her favorite outdoor things to do plus tips on where to go to get the best photo.

Image - Tessa Buhrmann ©

“A short drive will get you to the best pier of all, Umhlanga Pier. The iconic curved railings, and adjacent lighthouse and rock pools are waiting to be explored and photographed.”

Iga Motylska from EAGER JOURNEYS explored Durban by foot and mouth, from the sky and the shore and after experiencing the 031 through the eyes of local Instagrammers she suggested adding the vibrant city to your travel list this summer.

Meruschka Govender from MZANSI GIRL gave the local low down for summer as she focused on the city’s unique and creative areas. She also shared her insights on where to go if you want to catch some live music.

“8 Morrison is a co-office, retail, design and events space in the trendy Rivertown Triangle in the Durban CBD. From food markets to music gigs to workshops, the creative vibes are happening in this vibrant space.”

“Durban Tourism’s freelance tour guides offer two walking tours through the city. While the tours can be tailor-made and you can choose them based on your interests, the most popular are the oriental and the historical walks.

Sara Essop from IN AFRICA AND BEYOND shared a family-friendly itinerary that will take you from the ocean’s warm waters and rickshaw adventures to towering sand castles, a sugar mill and a spicy bunny chow, to one of Africa’s largest malls.

The Magnin family from TAZZ DISCOVERS experienced the sunny shores together as a family and focused on fun, yet educational places to explore on day trips, a short and scenic drive away from the Durban’s hustle and bustle.

“Durban is warm all year round, the people are friendly, it’s affordable for those on a budget and it’s got a great location along the shores of the Indian Ocean.”

“Start out small and explore Umhlanga on your first day. Kick off your trip by giving education a nod with a visit to the Natal Sharks Board.”

www.cheapflights.co.za www.durbanexperience.co.za www.travelconceptsolution.com responsible traveller 69

responsible travel

There’s so much to discover in Cape Town & the Western Cape. Why not try and make a difference while you’re here on your adventure? Be part of the “Green Travel” revolution when you choose and buy eco-friendly products. Explore with a tour operator that is socially and environmentally responsible. Research and know the culture of the community you are visiting so that you can respect their dignity and privacy – remember to ask for permission before you take pics. Don’t pick the flowers, or there won’t be any left when you visit again.

Be inspired to help future generations discover more.

www.discoverctwc.co.za discoverctwc @discoverctwc discoverctwc #discoverctwc